Today’s session of the state parliament began with expressions of grief. Last week, both the former state councilor and head of the Chamber of Commerce Rudolf Trauner (VP) and the former state parliament member Josef Reisinger (SP) died.
In the following question time, SP MP Doris Magreiter wanted to know from Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander (VP) to what extent the increase in the cost of compulsory school buildings from 408 million euros to 903 million euros could be attributed to the increased construction costs. Haberlander explained that a percentage list of the triggering factors was not possible. However, the increase in costs can also be explained by the fact that the cost estimate for the dozens of ongoing projects could be updated and specified – and 50 new construction projects were also added.
Third State Parliament President Peter Binder (SP) wanted to know from Deputy State Governor Manfred Haimbuchner (FP) why the upper limit of 300 euros for housing aid has not been increased since January 1, 2012 despite inflation. Haimbuchner replied that his department had already answered Binder’s question three times in writing last year, but he would still be “very happy” to answer it verbally again: Haimbuchner pointed out that the average rent in Austria in 2023 would be 433 euros, the highest possible housing allowance thus covering 70 percent. The purpose of the aid is to provide support, not to “almost completely cover” the housing costs.
“Two-tier medicine”
In an urgent request from the SPÖ parliamentary group, it was once again Binder who addressed the plenary session and, above all, the responsible regional councilor Haberlander. She should – while respecting data protection – prepare a report on the “practice of preferential treatment of patients with additional insurance” suspected by the Reds. Waiting times for examinations and appointments for people without additional insurance are now too long, this “two-tier medicine” must be eliminated, and an objective survey is needed for this.
VP state parliament member Elisabeth Manhal spoke of a “populist motion that unsettles people.” It is a suggested “class struggle that adds fuel to the fire”. A two-tier system “de facto” does not exist; top-class medicine is equally accessible to all citizens.
The second president of the state parliament, Sabine Binder from the FPÖ, said that demographic developments naturally represented a challenge for the health system. Human resources would have to be continuously increased. Binder admitted doubts about the usefulness of preparing a report on potential preferential treatment for additionally insured people – this would only mean additional bureaucratic effort.
Support for the motion came from the Greens. Anyone who has additional insurance can report favoritism, said state parliament member Ulrike Schwarz. A corresponding evaluation is therefore important.
Dagmar Häusler from the MFG welcomed the SPÖ’s proposal in principle – but even saw a “multi-class system” and referred to illnesses as a “profit system”. However, an application alone is not enough; what is needed is a complete deprivatization of the health system.
The motion was ultimately rejected with votes from VP and FP.
Controversial topic of audit reports and social welfare
On the occasion of the alleged grievances at the Bruckner University, SPÖ democracy spokesman Tobias Höglinger – as already reported today by the OÖN – submitted an initiative request for the publication of audit reports. This was ultimately rejected by a majority of votes from VP and FP.
A joint motion for a resolution by the FP and VP to use the Upper Austrian social assistance model for a “stricter and more effective basic law” in the federal government in order to “ensure a fair structure of social assistance” was approved by a majority.
The SPÖ and the Greens voted against it. For the green Ines Vukajlovic, the Upper Austrian model only shows “how restrictive laws can not only exacerbate poverty, but also fuel it.” In times of crisis, it is important to help the financially weakest get back on their feet. The social welfare model is characterized by a “debate of envy and social coldness”.
A joint resolution by all parties to ensure dental fillings as a health insurance benefit was unanimously approved. However, with votes from Black and Blue, the demand from the SPÖ, Greens and MFG to use the Upper Austrian reserves in the ÖGK (around 500 million euros) as an immediate measure in order to continue to finance free dental fillings was rejected.
